Light on your pocket, heavy in your tummy

This time, we pick two restaurants, run by women, that don’t cost a bomb to eat in and serve some great food.

Bored of going to cafes very often? How about trying a ‘teafe’? Chaipatty Teafe in Koramangala will definitely not disappoint you. Aromas of hot pakodas and Maggi noodles welcome you. The place has floor level seating giving a homely comfortable feeling.

Schezwan Frankie. Pic: Anisha Nair

There is a mural of the ‘Last Supper’ on one wall, only everybody is drinking chai and not wine. The room also has a shelf neatly stacked with junk jewellery, cups and handmade kettles that are up for sale.

The hospitality was outstanding! Pushpa Yadav, the woman behind this cosy teafe, makes sure you feel at home.

Don’t forget to try the Kullad Chai at this place. It is the speciality of Chaipatty. And what can be a better companion to tea than Pakodas? The hot masaledaar pakodas are our favourite pick here. And no matter how many times you make Maggi noodles at home, the variety available here – vegetable, egg, chicken and exotica, will compel you to try it out.

The food ought to taste good when it comes with the suffix ‘delicious’. Gobilicious, Cheesilicious, Paneerilicious…Truly delicious.

Pav-Bhaji. Pic: Nagashree Gururaj

Well, it does not stop here. The desi and English breakfast is also very popular here. So every time you visit, you will want to try different items!

Average cost for two is Rs 200. Alcohol is not served here.

If you are near Hanumanthnagar and you crave for some simple ‘home cooked’ north Indian food, Taja Masala Soda is the place to head to.

Mushroom Paratha. Pic: Anisha Nair

This tiny place more than makes up for lack of space with its great food and even better prices.

Mamtha Prabhu, the woman who runs the shop, welcomes you with a bright smile and hands out a couple of menu cards. One menu has the variety of parathas and the other has a list of frankies (chapathis rolls), pizzas, pav bhaji and much more!

The taste of tomato garlic paratha and mushroom paratha (Rs 15 each) is sure to linger in your memory for long. The delicious Schezwan Frankie that costs just Rs 10 will surely make you very happy.

Homemade Pineapple pastry. Pic: Anisha Nair

As the name says, the sodas surely will lift up your bubbly spirit! Just select your favourite flavour from the syrups that are lined up over the fridge and keep gulping to your heart’s content!